Stores and distributors were told to remove all affected products from sale, and Lansal said it's working with state Departments of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and local authorities to get the word out.

The organism Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems, according to a statement from the FDA.

Symptoms may include headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. A listeria infection can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women, according to the FDA.

Published at 4:44 PM CDT on May 22, 2014 | Updated at 4:46 PM CDT on May 22, 2014